Research directions
Intracellular hosts of free-living amoebae
Free-living amoebae feed on bacteria, fungi and algae. However, some microorganisms evolved to become resistant to these protists. These amoebae-resistant microorganisms include established pathogens, such as Legionella, Mycobacterium avium, and Listeria monocytogenes, and emerging pathogens, such as Parachlamydia acanthamoebae
Free-living amoebae represent an important reservoir of amoebae-resisting bacteria that may, while encysted, protect the internalized bacteria from chlorine and other biocides. Free-living amoebae may also act as a Trojan horse and play a role in the selection of virulence traits and in adaptation to survival in macrophages
Moreover, free-living amoebae represent a useful tool for the culture of some intracellular bacteria and new bacterial species that might be potential emerging pathogens
The group of Gilbert Greub study the biodiversity of intracellular hosts of free-living amoebae in water and since human are commonly exposed to water, the potential role played by these intracellular bacteria as agents of pneumonia, with a focus on Chlamydia-like organisms. The role of Waddlia nad Parachlamydia in miscarriage is also studied.
Collaborators
Aeby Sébastien (lab technician)
Claire Bertelli (post-doc)
Antony Croxatto (post-doc)
Nicolas Jacquier (post-doc)
Carole Kebbi (post-doc)
Brigida Rusconi (PhD student)
Julia Lienard (PhD student)
Marie Perthuiset (Student in Biology, Master)
Trestan Pillonel (Student in Biology, Master)
Line Dormond (Thesis in Medicine)
Joan Saldariagga (Student in medicine, Master)
Samuel henninger (Student in medicine, Master)
